Abstract:
The circular saw is not only a professional tool but a common household tool as well. For the occasional user, the circular saw blade does not need continuous replacing. This manual provides step-by-step instructions on how to change a circular saw blade for users who are changing their blade for the first time. Specifically, it looks at circular saws with spindle locks. The manual provides a list of the materials (equipment) needed to replace the blade and provides warnings. Understanding how to change a circular saw blade is important for safety reasons and tool maintenance.
Table of Contents
- Unplug the Saw
- Press Down and Hold the Spindle Lock Button
- Loosen the Bolt
- Unscrew/Take out Bolt and Washer
- Remove Blade
- Replacing the New Blade
- Screw on the Washer and Bolt
- Hold Spindle Lock to Tighten Bolt
- Final Check
List of Figures
Changing a Circular Saw Blade:
Materials Needed
Figure 0. 1: Socket set [1]
Figure 0. 2: Blade wrench [2]
Figure 0. 3: Allen keys [3]
2. Press Down and Hold the Spindle Lock Button
Figure 2. 1: Spindle lock [5]
Figure 2. 2: Circular saw blade [5]
3. Loosen the Bolt
Figure 3. 1: Loosening the bolt [5]
4. Unscrew/Take out Bolt and Washer
Figure 4. 1: Bolt and washer [5]
5. Remove Blade
Figure 5. 1: Lower guard and lower guard lever [5]
Figure 5. 2: Removing circular saw blade [7]
6. Replacing the New Blade
Figure 6. 1: Replacing Blade [5]
8. Hold Spindle Lock to Tighten Bolt
Figure 8. 1: Tightening the bolt [5]
Introduction:
The circular saw is one of the most common tools in construction, woodworking and home renovation/projects. For everyday use, workers have to change the blade fairly frequently, but for occasional users, a circular saw blade will last a long time. This manual will provide step by step instructions on how to change a circular saw blade for the occasional user, someone who has never changed a blade before or infrequently does so. These instructions will be broken down into ten steps, each using diagrams, figures and text to communicate the process, along with a description of the product and its components. This manual only provides instructions on how to change circular saw blades with a spindle lock and should not be taken as a guide for changing all types of saw blades.
Changing a Circular Saw Blade:
Materials Needed:
– Before beginning, make sure you have either a socket set or a wrench (blade wrench) in order to remove the bolt that holds the blade in place. Some bolts might also be replaced with an Allen key.
– Ensure that your replacement blade is the correct size and type for your circular saw.
– Make sure the blade that you are using is appropriate for the kind of work that you intend to do.
1. Unplug the Saw
As simple as this sounds, this is the most important step. When removing a saw blade, the power must be turned off. If not, you could lose a finger, hand or worse [4].
2. Press Down and Hold the Spindle Lock Button
Nowadays, almost all circular saws come with a spindle lock button. If your circular saw does not, you should consult another manual for the appropriate instructions.
The spindle lock holds the blade in place. If you do not press and hold down the spindle lock, the blade will spin as you try to loosen the bolt. The spindle lock is often black and looks like a small tab that sticks out from the motor shaft.
While pressing on the spindle lock, carefully rotate the blade until you feel the spindle lock fully engage. Once it is engaged the blade should not be able to rotate [6].
3. Loosen the Bolt
Once the spindle lock is engaged, loosen the bolt that is attached to the motor shaft (use either a blade wrench, socket set or Allen key). If the blade is positioned on the right side of the circular saw, turn counter-clockwise to loosen the bolt [6].
4. Unscrew/Take out Bolt and Washer
Completely remove the bolt and washer from the motor shaft, and set aside.
5. Remove Blade
Push the lower guard lever towards the front of the saw—this will pull the lower guard out of blade’s way—while removing the blade from the motor shaft. The lower guard does not hold the blade in place, but it needs to be pulled back in order to create space for the blade to slip out [4].
6. Replacing the New Blade
Make sure the teeth are facing “up” towards the front of the circular saw. On the new blade there should be arrows directing the correct spin rotation. If you place the blade on backwards (teeth facing “down”), the saw will be less effective and you will get unclean cuts [4].
Pull back the lower guard (see step 5) and place the new blade onto the motor shaft.
7. Screw on the Washer and Bolt
After the blade is in the correct position, place the washer onto the motor shaft and then screw in the bolt (see Figure 4. 1).
8. Hold Spindle Lock to Tighten Bolt
Once the bolt is in place, press and hold on the spindle lock (see step 2) and tighten the bolt by turning clockwise (if the blade is on the right side of the circular saw). If the bolt and washer are not on properly or are loose, the blade may jiggle on the motor shaft, which could damage your new blade and create unclean cuts [6].
9. Final Check
Release the spindle lock and check to see that the blade is firmly set. Subsequently, gently rotate the blade and look for any jiggle or wobble in the blade.
Conclusion:
The circular saw is a common tool in many households. Whether you are changing your circular saw blade for the first time or you just need a refresher, this manual provides step-by-step instructions on how to correctly change your circular saw blade. Individual circular saws may vary, so it’s important to check the specifications of your circular saw and the relatability of these instructions to it. If your circular saw is missing particular features, such as a spindle lock, you should consult another manual to correctly change your blade.
References
[1] “28 Piece Zeon Socket Set for Damaged Bolts,” Powerbuilt, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.powerbuilt.com/products/28-piece-zeon-socket-set-for-damaged-bolts
[2] “Milwaukee Blade Wrench for circular saw and miter saw,” Tool Depot, 2017. Accessed on: June 30, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://tooldepot247.com/milwaukee-blade-wrench-49-96-6205-for-circular-saw-and-miter-saw
[3] “Allen Key Set with Holder,” MEC, 2020. Accessed on: June 30, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.mec.ca/en/product/4007-287/Allen-Key-Set-with-Holder
[4] “How to Change a Circular Saw Blade,” This Old House, 2020. Accessed on: June 22, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/tools/21017271/how-to-change-a-circular-saw-blade
[5] “7 ¼ IN. Circular Saw,” Ryobi, 2020. Accessed on: June 30, 2020. [Online}. Available: https://www.ryobitools.com/power-tools/products/details/7-1-4-circular-saw_742
[6] Family Handyman, “How to Change a Circular Saw Blade,” YouTube, July 1, 2017. [Video File]. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqfwuDq3B84. [Accessed: June 22, 2020].
[7] BLACK+DECKER, “How to change a Circular Saw blade?,” YouTube, August 15, 2018. [Video File]. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffKDUVG4Jy4. [Accessed: June 30, 2020].
Micro-Stories And Mini Considerations 